How to Train New Lab Staff in Proper Pipetting Techniques?

Accuracy and precision are a paramount in any laboratory environment. Research, diagnostics, or industrial processes depend on proper pipetting skills for reliable results and reproducible tests. However, new lab personnel typically have difficulty with the right technique for handling liquids, and it can lead to problems and inefficiency.

To assist novice trainees to become skilled and confident, there needs to be a carefully planned training program. This blog guides you through training practices on how to instruct lab staff in proper pipetting techniques using liquid handling instruments including micropipettes, bottle top dispensers, and pipette fillers.

We also discuss how to choose the most suitable mechanical pipette suppliers to supply high-quality instruments to maximize laboratory efficiency.

Training procedures of new Lab Staff in Pipetting Techniques

1. Understanding the Basics of Pipetting

Before exposing trainees to equipment, it is necessary to establish a fundamental knowledge of pipetting. These are:

• Why is pipetting done in the lab?

• The need for precision and accuracy.

• The different types of liquid handling devices used in a lab.
  
  

2. Introduction to Different Pipetting Tools

A key element of training involves introducing new laboratory members to a range of pipetting instruments, their uses, and appropriate usage situations.

a) Micropipette

A micropipette is a delicate instrument for the movement of extremely minute amounts of liquid, usually between microlitres and millilitres. Training should comprise:

• Correct handling and grip.

• Choosing the appropriate volume.

• Correct aspirating and dispensing liquid technique.

• Prevention of contamination using sterile tips and backflow prevention.

b) Bottle Top Dispenser

For larger quantities, a bottle top dispenser is an essential equipment that enables efficient and safe dispensing of liquids from bottles. Trainees need to learn:

• Installation and setting up of a dispenser in the right way.

• Liquid volume adjustments.

• Maintenance and cleaning of the lab instruments.

c) Pipette Filler

A pipette filler is used to support the pipetting process by managing quantities of fluids, utilizing plastic or glass pipettes. Training must include:

• Selecting the right pipette for the experiment.

• Regulation suction rate.

• Hold firmly to prevent breakage.

Hands-on Training: Pipetting Practice Step-by-Step

Now, after learning about the instruments, it's time to shift to hands-on training. These steps will ensure trainees cultivate proper pipetting techniques:

1. Correct Setup

• Ensure the workplace is clean and neat.

• Choose the right instrument micropipette, pipette filler, or bottle top dispenser for the procedure.

• Utilize all the calibrated pipettes correctly throughout the experiment.
  
  

2. Hold and Handle

• Demonstrate how to hold a micropipette almost vertically.

• Teach how to place tips without touching them.

• Significant usage of smooth and even plunger pressure.
  
  

3. Aspirating Liquid

• Let the pipette tip below the surface of the liquid.

• Push and release in movement to move the plunger slowly and smoothly.

• This aspirating process will reduce the formation of bubbles in the solution.
  
  

4. Dispensing Liquid

• Hold the tip through the brim of the receiving vessel.

• Dispense the liquid slowly and withdraw the tip smoothly.

• Utilize the second stop of the plunger to provide a complete liquid release.
  
  

5. Proper Disposal and Cleaning

• Properly dispose of tips in appropriate biohazard waste.

• Clean and store liquid handling equipment properly to prolong its lifespan.

Common Pipetting Mistakes and How to Prevent Them

During training, some required points must be highlighted among the common pipetting mistakes and solutions. Such as,

1. Unreliable Pipetting Techniques

This results in variations in volume and incorrect results. To counter this, it is important to get lab staff to develop a habit of maintaining a consistent grip, maintaining a constant angle of pipetting, and consistent speed in aspirating and dispensing liquids. These small yet important habits can enhance reproducibility and reduce errors.

2. Picking the Wrong Volume

During pipetting, no one desires to jeopardize experimental outcomes. To answer this, students should be instructed on how to properly set and calibrate volumes on micropipettes and bottle-top dispensers. Demonstrations by hand can reinforce correct techniques so that the desired volume is precisely measured each time.

3. Using the Wrong Type of Pipette

This is also a frequent problem that compromises accuracy. Laboratory procedures demand certain pipettes, and making the right choice is imperative. Training must incorporate learning how to select the correct pipette filler or mechanical pipette supplier equipment for the requirements of the experiment. Know-how about the differences among various pipetting equipment avoids unwarranted mistakes and proper use in laboratory operations.

4. Sample Contamination

It can be a severe issue that would undermine results and impact research integrity. While experimenting, contamination may often result from the repetition of using a single pipette tip for several samples, if liquid is touched, or while pipetting in a non-sterile area.

This way of contamination can be prevented by following best practices such as replacing the pipette tip between experimenting samples, not touching liquids directly, and working within the sterility wherever needed. 

5. Choosing the Appropriate Mechanical Pipette Supplier

Maintaining accuracy and longevity of equipment in the lab can be helpful for seamlessly conducting experiments. Pipette vendor selection can overview different factors to consider, including precision and calibration requirements, longevity, ease of maintenance, and availability of instrument spares.

Compatibility with laboratory protocols also allows for smooth integration into workflows. Proper selection of vendors by laboratories allows for the use of reliable equipment to support accurate experimentation.

6. Embracing Regular Competency Assessments

Of all the options, routine testing of the equipment is necessary. The routine tests can be followed as practice drills with dye solutions to check pipetting procedures, observation and feedback training to correct in real time.

Conducting these tests in between the experiment workflow, may ensure laboratory personnel remain competent and constantly improve their pipetting techniques, leading to more enhanced experimental results.

Conclusion

The training for pipetting techniques of new lab staff is fundamental to maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of laboratory operations. Properly laid out training programs on different instruments for handling liquids, such as micropipettes, bottle top dispensers, and pipette fillers, to prevent duplicate errors and confidence among trainees.

In addition, sourcing high-quality instruments from reputable mechanical pipette companies like Microlit can play a significant role in providing accuracy in lab operations. Through support of best practices, provision of hands-on training, and regular competency assessment, labs are able to maintain high levels of accuracy and reliability in their research and testing activities.